Tag Archives: Margarita

Pineapple Serrano Margarita

Posted on April 10, 2009 | Leave a comment

Looking for something a little less traditional yet fun, fruity and delicious for Cinco de Mayo? Try this heated little Tequila Cazadores number: Pineapple Serrano Margarita. Fresh pineapple and Serrano chili peppers muddled together give this margarita spicy kick.

Pineapple Serrano Margarita

1-1/2 parts Tequila Cazadores Blanco

4 pieces fresh Pineapple – muddled -or- 3 parts Pineapple Juice

2 slices Serrano Chili Pepper – muddled

1 part Simple Syrup –or- 3/4 part Agave Nectar

1 part Lime Juice

Muddle fresh pineapple, chili pepper, syrup and lime juice in mixing glass. Add tequila and ice. Shake to blend and chill. Pour into rocks glass or strain into rocks glass over fresh ice to reduce floating pieces of fruit and pepper.

Recipe provided by Tequila Cazadores representatives

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Posted in Short Drinks

Tagged Agave Syrup, Chili Pepper, Cinco de Mayo, Fresh Lime, Margarita, Mexican Independence Day, Pineapple, Pineapple Juice, Simple Syrup, Tequila, Tequila Cazadores

NUVO Lost its Sparkle? Bring the Twinkle Back

Posted on April 9, 2009 | Leave a comment

NUVO Sparkling Liqueur. You partied with it the night before or maybe the week before with its beautiful bubbly effervescent glow. The lilting tingles tickled your fancy to the wee hours of the morning. You thought there could never possibly be an end to NUVO’s glory until…this delightful little joy went flat while you caught a few winks of shut eye. While you rejuvenate, NUVO flattens. What to do? Why waste good NUVO? There must be something. Right?!

The first thought might be to just top NUVO off with a bit of the bubbly for renewed freshness. If that floats your boat, fine. But this only waters NUVO down. Begin building NUVO’s flavor profile back up with the basics: Gin, Rum, Vodka, and Tequila.

NUVO & Rangpur – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Tanqueray Rangpur Gin

1 ounce flat NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

1/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

1-1/2 ounce Diet Tonic Water

Combine all liquids (except tonic water) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top off with diet tonic water.

This is similar to a Gin & Tonic with an updated, straight-up twist. NUVO lovers get their fizz back with the addition of the tonic water while keeping the pretty pink hue and flavor of the raspberry blossom. The Rangpur Gin creates a fabulous base for gin fans and those who are just discovering this lovely spirit. The Rangpur lime zing adds just enough splash to give NUVO & Rangpur the vitality it needs.

Italian Tropics – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Spiced Rum

1/2 ounce Tuaca

2 ounces Pineapple Orange Juice

1 ounce flat NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

Pineapple Chunks for Garnish

Build over ice in a tall decorative glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Although this cocktail was meant to highlight or at the bare minimum incorporate the flavor of NUVO Sparkling Liqueur, instead it masks it to such a degree not a smidge of NUVO can be detected with its full one ounce addition to the drink. However, the Italian Tropics is buttery-scotch delicious! Conclusion: Save the flat NUVO for a rainy day, but keep this cocktail for a sunny day on the deck or beach.

Nuevo NUVO – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce flat NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

2 ounces Acai Juice with Raspberry

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 ounce Simple Syrup

Lemon Twist Garnish

The Nuevo NUVO renews the NUVO flavor to fabulous rich raspberry goodness. Of course the enhancement is due to the Bossa Nova addition, but this brings out a hint of NUVO in the background of the cocktail. That little hint maybe just what one needs to stir memories of the good times shared previously with NUVO friends.

To bring the bubbly back to the Nuevo NUVO try these options:

1-1/2 ounce club soda adds the right amount of bubbly effervescence without watering the cocktail down or contributing more alcohol.

1-1/2 ounce brut champagne will add more alcohol, but also more bubbles and cut a tad of the sweet while bringing its own grapevine twist to the cocktail.

1-1/2 ounce sparkling sake brings tingles to the cocktail with light zing that is distinctly dry yet satisfying without adding more sweetness.

NUVO Margarita – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Tequila

1 ounce flat NUVO Sparkling Liqueur

3/4 ounce Homemade Sour

Lime Wheel for Garnish

Salted for glass rim optional

Salt rim of margarita or highball glass. Add liquids to cocktail shaker. Shake to blend. Strain into prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wheel.

This is quite strong on tequila flavor with only a hint of NUVO. Definitely not a drink for anyone who turns a nose up at tasting alcohol in their cocktail. Adding lime and fruit juice to this mixture began mucking up the flavor drastically. My reasoning behind this particular cocktail however happened to be the “manly” angle. NUVO’s color is pink; not so masculine, yet consumed by many men if you happen to take a peek at NUVO Facebook photos. As a female I often care for something a little edgier than the frill of pink in a cocktail. Why not give NUVO consumers the best of both worlds; flavor packed NUVO.

Conclusion:Flat NUVO loses its flavor considerably. Part of the thrill and bounce is in the tiny bubbles springing to the top of the glass. Without the bubble all that remains is one dimensional pink liquid without much taste for the tongue to enjoy. NUVO is available in a wide range of sizes to fit your personal to party needs. Find the size that suits your mood and enjoy.

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Acai Juice, Fresh Lemon, Gin, Margarita, NUVO Sparkling Liqueur, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Raspberry Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Sour Mix, Spiced Rum, Tequila, Tonic, Tuaca, Vodka

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Tequila Cazadores

Posted on April 8, 2009 | Leave a comment

The United States often adopts celebrations from neighboring countries, weaving their customs into our own festive style. Cinco de Mayo, historically a celebration of Mexico’s independence from France, is one such fête. According to recent research information shared by Jeff Grindrod and Mike Ginley at the 2009 Cheers Conference focusing on spirits trends, the Margarita continues to be the #1 consumer cocktail choice taking a 32% share in the spirits drink category. A Margarita is the perfect way to toast the spirit of Mexico and Cinco de Mayo.

Toast with friends and relax this Cinco de Mayo by planning ahead. Tequila Cazadores makes party planning a breeze with the Tequila Cazadores 5 gallon Margarita recipe. Rather than host from behind the bar making individual margaritas, mix this Tequila Cazadores classic up ahead of time and let your guests serve themselves.

Five Gallon Margarita

4 liters Tequila Cazadores Reposado

2 liters Triple Sec

10 bottles (750 ml) Sour Mix

1 gallon Orange Juice

1/2 gallon Lime Juice

Salt

Lime Garnish

Combine all liquids in large container. Stir. Serve in salt rimmed rocks glasses over fresh ice. Garnish with lime slice. Makes approximately 129 servings.

Recipe provided by Tequila Cazadores representatives

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Posted in Pichers & Punches

Tagged Cinco de Mayo, Fresh Lime, Margarita, Mexican Independence Day, National Tequila Day, Orange Juice, Sour Mix, Tequila, Tequila Cazadores, Triple Sec

St. Patrick’s Day for the Tequila Minded: El Diamante del Cielo

Posted on March 4, 2009 | Leave a comment

Though widely celebrated, St. Patrick’s Day is not a nationally recognized holiday in the United States. One would hardly discern this fact with all the fan fare that goes on from day break to last call, March 17, as busses roll into Irish pubs across the U.S. for “tours”. This typically green holiday no longer remains for the Irish only. Cocktail culture frequently pushes the limits of conventional holidays by continually fine-tuning, modifying and revamping the “norm” or ordinary into the exceptional. Rather than the usual shot of Irish Whiskey, Irish Car Bomb or green beer this St. Patrick’s Day show your green spirit with these emerald hued 100% agave cocktails.

Tequila Mojito

3 ounces Blanco Tequila

Juice of 1 Lime

1/2 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

1-1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

5 fresh Mint Leaves – chopped

Club Soda

Mint Sprig Garnish

Quarter lime. Muddle half of lime in mixing glass with mint leaves. Add tequila, liqueur and simple syrup. Stir to chill. Pour into white wine glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with remaining lime and mint sprig.

Paradise lost

1-1/2 ounce Reposado Tequila

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

2 ounces Sprite or Tonic Water

1/8 cup Crushed Pineapple

1/2 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

5 Mint Tops plus 1 Mint Sprig Garnish

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake gently to combine, being careful soda does not bubble over. Pour into Old Fashioned glass. Top with additional ice if necessary. Garnish with mint sprig.

Diamond Margarita

1-1/2 ounce Añejo Tequila

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Grand Marnier

2-1/2 ounce Fresh Sour Mix

1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Wheel Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Pour into salt rimmed martini glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Don’t let your St. Patrick’s Day celebration turn into what some term “amateur night.” Please be responsible in your celebrations.

Cocktail recipes sponsored by representatives of El Diamante del Cielo Tequila.

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Posted in Sponsored Posts, St. Patrick's Day

Tagged Club Soda, Cointreau, Diamond Margarita, Fresh Lime, Grand Marnier, Lemon Lime Soda, Margarita, Mint Leaves, Mojito, Paradise Lost, Pineapple Juice, Premium Orange Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Sour Mix, St. Patrick's Day, Tequila, Tequila Mojito, Tonic

Agavero Inspires Cocktails beyond Shots & Margaritas

Posted on February 22, 2009 | 1 Comment

February 22 is National Margarita Day. Since many have a love it or hate it view toward tequila as the hangover spirit it’s time to move that misconception to the sideline and show a softer, smoother side to the rowdy character of the agave plant.

Agavero Tequila Liqueur is an exceptionally smooth, ultra-premium spirit created from a blend of 100% blue agave anejo and reposado tequilas. The essence of Damiana flower enriches the character adding substance to the flavor profile. Rather than an earthy bitterness or bite in the taste, Agavero is smooth and delicately rich on the palate. It is sweet, yet not syrupy. Agavero seems to be the perfect combination of tequila and agave nectar with the lilt of floral Damiana.

Agavero is produced at los Camichines Distillery in the Jalisco region of Mexico. Only the finest 100% blue agave anejo and reposado tequilas are chosen to complement the essence of Damiana. These elements are combined and hand blended for the highest quality and taste. Agavero Tequila Liqueur is bottled at 64 proof. It may be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a variety of cocktails that are only limited by your imagination.

The notion that tequila is somehow harsher than other liquors or possibly only good for shots or margaritas is clearly not the case. Agavero allows a wide variety of creative thought process to unfold while still allowing the richness of the agave plant to shine through without harshness.

Cozumel Cosmo – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Agavero

2 measures Vodka

3/4 measure Pomegranate Juice

1/2 measure Lime Juice

1/2 measure Pomegranate Liqueur

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Inspiration came from the Mexican Cosmo. Pomegranate Juice was put in place of Cranberry with Pomegranate Liqueur added. Imagine creating a tequila based Raspberry Lemon Drop using Limocello and Raspberry Liqueur!

Cortez’ Golden Gift – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/4 measure Agavero

1-1/4 measure Vanilla Liqueur

1-1/4 measure Half & Half

Build in a double old-fashioned glass over ice. Stir. Variation: 1 measure each Agavero and Vanilla Liqueur, 3/4 measure Tequila, 1-1/4 measure Half & Half.

The deep rich vanilla blends flawlessly with the delicate nature of Agavero. The use of Half & Half cuts the sweetness while keeping this a decadent dessert cocktail. An Espresso Vodka would also intertwine nicely within this mix. Adjust the ratios and make it your own.

Pineapple Pina – created by Cheri Loughlin

5 Pineapple Chunks

1/2 measure Cassis Liqueur

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

1 measure Agavero

1-1/2 measure Pineapple Vodka

3-4 Pineapple Chunks Garnish

Muddle pineapple, cassis and lemon juice in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add Agavero and vodka with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Fresh is best. Pineapple and tequila work amazingly well together. So does watermelon!

Lover’s Margarita – ala Agavero

1 measure Agavero

1 measure Reposado Tequila

Splash Fresh Lime Juice

Salted Rim

Rim rocks glass with fresh lime and dip in salt if desired. Add fresh ice. Add Agavero and tequila. Stir. Double recipe and add two straws to share with a lover.

The Lover’s Margarita is simply unbeatable. Agavero adds dimension to the margarita that would not be there with one layering of tequila alone. It also rounds out the edges for a smooth finish.

This goes to show how adaptable Agavero Tequila is as a spirit. It is excellent as the foundation or companion piece in a wide range of mixed drinks. Tequila no longer needs to be considered the ruthless, untamed spirit designed for shots and margaritas alone.